Weather Today, 21 May 2026: India is witnessing one of the sharpest weather contrasts of the season while northern and central regions continue to reel under severe heatwave conditions, southern states and island territories are receiving steady rainfall activity. Temperatures in several cities have crossed 45°C, with Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerging as the hottest location at 48.2°C whil ethe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts across multiple states as extreme weather patterns intensify.
Will it Rain or Snow in the Hills?
Higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may witness isolated rain showers and light snowfall in elevated regions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in Himalayan states over the next 48 hours while srinagar remains comparatively cooler with temperatures ranging between Minimum at 10°C & Maximum at 19°C.
Why Is The Heat Building Up So Fast Across India?
Meteorologists say persistent dry northwesterly winds, delayed western disturbances and prolonged clear skies are causing rapid heating across the plains. Temperatures in many northern states are currently 4°C to 7°C above seasonal averages. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh remain the worst affected while the IMD has warned that heatwave conditions could continue for at least another seven days in northwestern and central India.
Where are the Heat Wave Alerts?
- Delhi-NCR
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Vidarbha
- Bihar
- Telangana
- Chhattisgarh
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
Is Monsoon Arrived?
The southwest monsoon has not fully arrived over mainland India yet, but conditions are becoming increasingly favourable while Kerala, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are already receiving widespread rainfall activity. Weather experts expect the monsoon to advance further into the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal over the next 3–4 days.
Delhi-NCR Weather Today
Minimum: 36°C | Maximum: 45°C
Delhi-NCR remains under severe heatwave conditions with strong dry winds reaching 40 kmph. Night temperatures are unusually high, offering little relief. IMD has issued an orange alert for the coming week.
Chennai Weather Today
Minimum: 29°C | Maximum: 37°C
Chennai may witness scattered showers with humid conditions prevailing through the day.
Mumbai Weather Today
Minimum: 29°C | Maximum: 32°C
Mumbai continues to remain relatively stable due to coastal influence, though humidity levels remain high.
Hyderabad Weather Today
Minimum: 29°C | Maximum: 44°C
The city is experiencing intense daytime heat along with chances of evening thunderstorms.
Karnataka Weather Today
Minimum: 22°C | Maximum: 35°C
Interior Karnataka may witness thunderstorms and gusty winds, while coastal regions are likely to receive moderate rainfall.
Uttar Pradesh Weather Today
Minimum: 34°C | Maximum: 48°C
Eastern and western districts remain under severe heatwave conditions. Banda recorded the country’s highest temperature at 48.2°C.
Rajasthan Weather Today
Minimum: 29°C | Maximum: 45°C
Dry weather and strong solar radiation continue to push temperatures higher across Jaipur and nearby districts.
Jammu and Kashmir Weather Today
Minimum: 10°C | Maximum: 19°C
Cooler conditions continue in Srinagar with intermittent cloud cover and chances of light rain in hilly areas.
Punjab Weather Today
Minimum: 30°C | Maximum: 45°C
Punjab remains under red alert as heatwave conditions intensify across major districts.
Ahmedabad Weather Today
Minimum: 29°C | Maximum: 42°C
Ahmedabad continues to witness dry and uncomfortable weather with hot afternoons and warm nights.
City-Wise Sunset & Sunrise Timing
| City | Sunrise | Sunset |
| Delhi | 05:27 AM | 07:08 PM |
| Mumbai | 06:02 AM | 07:08 PM |
| Jaipur | 05:36 AM | 07:10 PM |
| Hyderabad | 05:42 AM | 06:42 PM |
| Lucknow | 05:16 AM | 06:49 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 05:56 AM | 07:16 PM |
| Srinagar | 05:19 AM | 07:25 PM |
Full City-Wise Rain Forecast Across Major Cities
| City | Minimum | Maximum | Rain Forecast |
| Delhi | 36°C | 45°C | No rainfall expected, dry heatwave conditions |
| Mumbai | 29°C | 32°C | Light drizzle possible in coastal areas |
| Chennai | 29°C | 37°C | Scattered thunderstorms likely by evening |
| Hyderabad | 29°C | 44°C | Isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds possible |
| Bengaluru | 22°C | 33°C | Moderate rain and cloudy skies expected |
| Kolkata | 28°C | 36°C | Light to moderate rainfall likely |
| Lucknow | 34°C | 46°C | No rainfall, severe heatwave continues |
| Jaipur | 29°C | 42°C | Dry weather with no major rain activity |
| Ahmedabad | 29°C | 42°C | Hot and dry conditions likely throughout the day |
| Chandigarh | 30°C | 45°C | Heatwave conditions, rain unlikely |
| Srinagar | 10°C | 19°C | Light showers expected in isolated areas |
| Kochi | 24°C | 31°C | Heavy rainfall likely under monsoon activity |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 25°C | 32°C | Moderate to heavy rain expected |
| Patna | 31°C | 41°C | Thunderstorms possible with strong winds |
| Bhopal | 30°C | 44°C | Dry and extremely hot conditions |
| Nagpur | 31°C | 45°C | Heatwave continues, isolated dust storms |
| Pune | 25°C | 36°C | Partly cloudy with light rain chances |
| Guwahati | 24°C | 33°C | Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected |
| Shimla | 16°C | 28°C | Light rain and cool breezy conditions |
| Jammu | 27°C | 40°C | Thunderstorm activity possible by night |
| Dehradun | 24°C | 37°C | Cloudy skies with isolated rainfall |
| Bhubaneswar | 28°C | 39°C | Thunderstorms with gusty winds likely |
| Visakhapatnam | 29°C | 36°C | Coastal showers and thunderstorms expected |
| Goa | 26°C | 33°C | Moderate rain likely across coastal belts |
How Will Rising Temperatures Impact?
Extreme heat is increasing pressure on electricity grids, water supply systems, and public health infrastructure. Several northern cities are witnessing rising power demand due to heavy air-conditioner usage. Agricultural productivity may also suffer if prolonged dry spells continue across wheat and vegetable-producing regions.
Health experts warn that heat exposure above 45°C significantly increases risks of dehydration, heatstroke, and cardiovascular stress, especially among elderly citizens and outdoor workers.
Health Warning & Safety Advice
- Drink water frequently even without feeling thirsty
- Avoid direct sunlight between 12 PM and 4 PM
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Use ORS, buttermilk and lemon water to prevent dehydration
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours
- Keep children and elderly individuals indoors whenever possible
Delhi NCR Weekly Weather Forecast
| Day | Forecast | Temperature |
| Thursday | Hot and dry | 36°C – 45°C |
| Friday | Heatwave continues | 37°C – 44°C |
| Saturday | Severe heat | 37°C – 46°C |
| Sunday | Hot winds likely | 38°C – 46°C |
| Monday | Dry and scorching | 38°C – 46°C |
| Tuesday | Extreme heat persists | 39°C – 47°C |
| Wednesday | Very hot conditions | 39°C – 47°C |
Delhi’s Air Quality Today – May 21, 2026
Delhi’s AQI remains in the “Poor” category due to trapped pollutants and dry atmospheric conditions. Dust particles and vehicular emissions continue to impact visibility and respiratory health.
Major Cities Air Quality Across India
| City | AQI Level | Category | Major Pollutant |
| Delhi | 79 | Moderate | PM2.5 |
| Mumbai | 53 | Moderate | PM10 |
| Chennai | 31 | Good | PM2.5 |
| Bengaluru | 22 | Good | PM2.5 |
| Hyderabad | 60 | Moderate | Dust Particles |
| Kolkata | 45 | Good | PM10 |
| Lucknow | 142 | Poor | PM2.5 |
| Ahmedabad | 33 | Good | PM10 |
| Chandigarh | 48 | Good | PM2.5 |
| Gurgaon | 55 | Moderate | Vehicular Pollution |
FAQ’s
Are There Any Travel or Safety Warnings?
Yes. Heatwave alerts remain active across northern India, while heavy rainfall warnings are in place for Kerala, Assam, and coastal regions.
Will Temperatures Rise Across the Country?
Yes. Most northern and central states are expected to remain 4°C to 6°C above normal over the next week.
Will There Be Any Rain Today?
Rainfall is likely in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and northeastern states.
Where Will It Snow Today?
Light snowfall is possible in higher Himalayan regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Is Delhi Facing Severe Heatwave Conditions?
Yes. Temperatures may touch 47°C next week with continued orange and red alerts from IMD.
Disclaimer: Weather forecasts are for guidance only. Conditions may change rapidly. Always check local authorities for emergencies and travel alerts.
